My daughter has constantly requested to go camping. Being a creature of comforts, I didn’t fancy that small tent, sleeping bag affair.

It’s not to say that I haven’t done it before. I can remember when I did a 2 week expedition in the Lake District for my Gold Duke Edinburgh’s award at the age of 16. I have fond memories of teamwork, camaraderie and being at the peak of fitness.

However, that permeating cold rain through the tent and stench of sheep excrement from where we had pitched, is not what I would like to experience again.

Now the word glamping (Glamorous camping) is music to my ears. After some research and narrowing down, I decided on Leeds castle glamping.

We set off yesterday to Kent in glorious sunshine. The grounds of Leeds castle was vast, green and beautiful. The castle stood regally surrounded by a functioning moat.

The kids enjoyed a run through the unending castle maze. Needless to say, I got lost and had to be lead out by my kids, shouting directions from the central viewing point they had found with such ease.

There was also an adventure playground on site fully equipped with zip wires. The kids had a wonderful time. The weather continued to be kind.

We checked into our glamp site around 3pm, a short walk from the play area to a quiet, more secluded area. After passing the falcon aviary, we were soon surrounded by a forest on our left and a vineyard to our right. In the distance, nestled amongst the vineyard, we could see the striped peaks of the glamping tents.

There were only 8 tents, each with their own private enclosure. I was secretly hoping for a green tent.

We got the blue one. Luxurious camping was as hoped. Internally, it was decorated with a Medieval theme. There was a comfortable four poster bed with crisp cotton linen, a dressing table, chair and 2 made up camp beds for the kids. There were plug points, lighting, coffee making facilities and even wi-fi. Outside was a wooden picnic table. There were clean shower facilities a 5 minute walk away.

Nearby was a communal barbeque area. After 5pm, the castle was closed off to the public but we were free to roam the beautiful grounds. We felt like royalty, indulging in the palatial gardens now graced by peacocks.

We had dinner at the on site restaurant. We sat at the outdoor elevated terrace, overlooking the castle. The food was delicious, classic British fare.

We slept well and the next morning (today), we had a breakfast hamper of croissants and hot chocolate delivered to our tent. After breakfast, I decided to go back into the castle for a private view before the public visitors arrived.

The castle had been inhabited by various royals including Catherine of Aragon, Henry VIII’s previous wife.

The last owner was Lady Baillie, a socialite whose portrait can be seen above. I enjoyed looking at the rooms she decorated. She struck me as a lady of impeccable taste in her time.

An example of what she would have worn is exhibited in the mannequin above, such elegance.

This is one of the views from her window. Imagine, waking up to that.

Her living room was a mint green and I simply adored the paintings she collected from the artist Maurice Brianchon which all seem to complement the green walls well.

Here’s the dining room on the ground floor. apparently, you can book this room for a wedding banquet. Interestingly, the Kennedies were entertained in this very room. They apparently fell in love with the carpet and ordered the very same for the White house.

Lastly, the library. I love the way the books were colour coordinated.

I hope you enjoyed the post. I have many more photos. Maybe I’ll show them on instagram. Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend. x

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Haha. I think I’m a Glamper rather than a Camper:-))
Your weekend looks and sounds fabulous. Bet the kids love it!!
Best part is you can stay in the grounds after they lock everything. How VIP is that?
So pleased weather is good and allowing families to travel and explore xx

This looks like so much fun, Geraldine. I’ve never been glamping (only ever done the roughing version!) but this totally makes me want to try it out. Oh, and the big kid in me would love to try the zip wire! 🙂 Have a great week!

This looks like so much fun! So lovely to see that you and the family are getting the best out of the summer holidays. I am off to Copenhagen tomorrow for Defining Scandinavia and a spot of shopping. Hope to catch up soon Xxx

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